Club Desire
The Club Desire, which stood across the street from this site, was one of Mississippi’s premier blues and rhythm & blues nightclubs from the late 1940s through the early 1960s. Owner Clarence Chinn presented the top national acts, including B. B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Junior Parker, James Brown, Ivory Joe Hunter, Big Joe Turner, Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, and the Platters. In the ’60s the club also served as an important meeting place for civil rights workers.Club Desire – or New Club Desire, as it was actually named for most its tenure – was a Canton landmark for several decades, renowned for providing the African American community with first-class entertainment in a celebratory but elegant atmosphere, with strict codes enforced for dress and behavior. Its shows drew patrons from Memphis and New Orleans, and former Cantonites from Chicago and points beyond often attended family reunions and gala holiday events here. Founded by Clarence Chinn (1906-1995) in the 1940s as the Blue Garden, the club was rebuilt after a fire and renamed New Club Desire in the early ‘50s. The name Club Desire was first used by a popular nightspot on Desire Street in New Orleans.
The club also earned a place in blues recording history in January 1952 when Modern Records of California rented it to set up a portable tape machine to record several songs by legendary Canton singer-guitarist Elmore James (1918-1963). Modern’s talent scout, Ike Turner from Clarksdale, played piano on the session. Two local members of James’s band, Ernest “Frock”Odell and Precious “Little Hat” Whitehead, were probably also on the recordings. Most published accounts of this session have erroneously cited the name as the Club Bizarre.
Ironically, despite James’s posthumous fame among blues fans, he and other local down-home bluesmen rarely played at New Club Desire, although they did perform for Clarence Chinn’s brother C.O. (1919-1999) at his café on Franklin Street, as well as for Frank Williams at a big dance hall in the Sawmill Quarters. New Club Desire favored touring blues and soul bands with horn sections and professional talent revues. B.B. King, Bobby Bland, and Hank Ballard & the Midnighters were recalled as particular favorites, and the talent roster also featured Little Milton, Albert King, Ted Taylor, Memphis Slim, Joe Simon, and many more. Clarence Chinn sometimes coordinated bookings with Tom Wince, who owned the Blue Room, a prominent Vicksburg venue, so that acts could play in both towns while on tour.
After Chinn decided to focus his energy on real estate and housing, New Club Desire was operated by Leonard Garrett, George Raymond, and Eddie Newton. Raymond and C.O. Chinn were Canton’s leading civil rights activists in the 1960s. At various times New Club Desire was used for private parties and meetings of civic, social, and civil rights organizations. The club closed in the 1970s
The Mississippi Blues Trail markers tell stories through words and images of bluesmen and women and how the places where they lived and the times in which they existed–and continue to exist–influenced their music. The sites run the gamut from city streets to cotton fields, train depots to cemeteries, and clubs to churches. We have a lot to share, and it’s just down the Mississippi Blues Trail.
The Mississippi Blues Trail is an ongoing project of the Mississippi Blues Commission. Funding for this project has been made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, AT&T, and the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University plus additional support from the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division.
For more information visit msbluestrail.org.
Mississippi is the birthplace of many famous authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Richard Wright.
In its early years, Madison County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The introduction of steamboats on the nearby Pearl River in the 1830s further facilitated trade and economic growth. As a result, numerous plantations were established, worked by enslaved African Americans.
During the American Civil War, Madison County faced significant hardships. The Battle of Raymond in 1863 was a key engagement in the Vicksburg Campaign. The county changed hands several times between Confederate and Union forces, causing destruction to both infrastructure and agriculture.
The post-war era brought changes to Madison County, as the economy shifted away from agriculture towards industry and commerce. The development of railroads in the late 1800s contributed to the growth of towns such as Canton and Madison. Over time, the county saw the establishment of businesses, schools, and other institutions, providing new opportunities for its residents.
Today, Madison County continues to experience growth and development. With a mix of rural, suburban, and urban areas, it has become an attractive place to live for those seeking a balance between small-town charm and proximity to the city of Jackson. The county holds a rich history and diverse community, while also embracing modern advancements and innovations.
Madison County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Madison County, Mississippi.
- Madison County is established in 1828 as one of the original counties in Mississippi.
- During the 1830s, Madison County experiences a significant influx of settlers, mainly from Virginia and the Carolinas.
- In 1853, the Mississippi Central Railroad is completed, passing through Madison County and fueling economic growth.
- Madison County plays a crucial role during the Civil War, with various battles and skirmishes taking place in the area.
- In the late 19th century, Madison County sees the rise of agriculture, particularly cotton and dairy farming.
- The early 20th century brings advancements in education, with multiple schools and colleges established in Madison County.
- During the mid-20th century, Madison County experiences suburbanization and population growth, largely due to its proximity to the capital city of Jackson.
- In recent years, Madison County has continued to experience suburban development, while also preserving its historical sites and promoting economic diversity.